2008 Robin K. Clarksburg Chenin Blanc

About This Wine

Clarksburg provides the backbone for California's production of Chenin Blanc grapes.

It has been that way for decades, a fact that prompted veteran wine scribe Gerald Asher to describe this "oasis" in the Sacramento River Delta as "California's Vouvray." Indeed, it's that classic dry style of Vouvray and the Loire that is mirrored in the 2008 Robin K. Chenin Blanc.

Most of the grapes for this wine were grown at Wilson Farms, where Ken Wilson and his family have been farming through three generations. They work closely with vintners to assure that their grapes are harvested precisely at the desired sugar level.

Robin K. then ferments those crushed grapes in stainless steel tanks over a period of about six weeks — until the sugar level is down to 0.5%. Then the fermentation is stopped, resulting in a dry-by-definition but "fruit-sweet" wine that's impossible to resist. The 2008 Robin K. is another feather in the cap for the Clarksburg appellation.

About Chenin Blanc

Native of Loire valley in France. Grapes have high acidity and need plenty of sun to ripen. The foundations of great long-lived whites, such as Vouvray. In South Africa and California can give soft, fruity wines with notes of melon, peach and citrus.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Chenin Blanc
• Grape Source:Clarksburg AVA in California's Sacramento River Delta Area
• Aromas & Flavors:Lemon Oil, Lime, Green Apple, Melon & Tangerine
• When to Drink:Now Through 2010
• Food Pairing Suggestionshellfish, white meats, or spicy fare.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Glazed Lemon Cookies Desserts can be challenging to match with wines, but when the overriding flavor of the treat is lemon, the possibilities multiply. Try these cookies (this recipe yields about 38 cookies) with Viognier, off-dry Chenin Blanc, Gruner Veltliner or Riesling... Get The Recipe
  

  Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos Here's an easy-to-make dish that's perfect for casual spring or summer dining. It matches nicely with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, and this recipe makes 2 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Old World Rosemary Chicken With Chardonnay This recipe comes from our friends at Belvedere Vineyards & Winery in the Sonoma County town of Healdsburg. It matches wonderfully with Chardonnay, and we've enjoyed it with Chenin Blanc as well. Use it as the main entree for a special meal, or any meal. Get The Recipe
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  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe